Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead Royal Borough social worker Chris Murphy is planning a marathon effort – literally – over the next few months to help people understand more about Alzheimer's Disease and raise funds for those who suffer from it.

Chris, a care manager in the Maidenhead older people's mental health team, is not only training for the New York marathon in November but is also organising a season of information and entertainment events – with the aim of raising £10,000 by race day on November 5.

Chris says: "Everyone thinks I'm mad but I want to raise as much money as I can and at the same time increase awareness about this terrible disease. It's not a trendy cause to support but since Mike Baldwin 's character in Coronation Street developed Alzheimer's there's been a lot more publicity – but we can do a lot more and I hope the events I'm organising will help to make a difference."

The first events to watch out for are on Friday June 23 in the Desborough Suite of the Town Hall, Maidenhead:

* Between 12 noon and 4pm there will be a drop-in event with cake stalls, raffles, a sari sale, jewellery and lots more… One of the highlights of the afternoon will be East Berkshire College's Maidenhead hair and beauty department offering nail art, head massage and henna in return for small donations to aid Alzheimer's sufferers. Everyone welcome. This event is raising funds for dementia services in the Maidenhead Royal Borough, including Ascot AAA, Crossroads, Maidenhead Alzheimer's, Windsor Alzheimer's, Woodlands Day Hospital, Charles Day Hospital, Helena Day Hospital, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Alzheimer's Café.
* At 7.45pm it will be curtain up on the Musical Extravaganza Fundraiser in aid of the Alzheimer's Society, with a bill of local musicians, soloists, groups and artists. Tickets are £15 each (including supper).

In the autumn there are more entertainment events planned with:

* a big band night on Friday October 20 (music by Maidenhead Concert Band in St Peter's Church, Maidenhead) and
* a gig by local bands Katamaran and Grey Matter at Windsor Arts Centre on Wednesday October 25.

Chris (32), who lives in Twyford and is based at the council's Windsor headquarters in York House, is mounting her fund and awareness-raising campaign in co-operation with the national Alzheimer's Society, the UK's leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia. She is also being strongly supported by the borough's social services directorate.

Jim Gould, director of Maidenhead social services, said he was very proud of Chris' selfless efforts to raise funds and help highlight the terrible effects of Alzheimer's Disease.

He said: "Chris is a fine example of how individual people can make a real difference. Her energy and enthusiasm are being directed to a very worthwhile cause and we all wish her every success."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Chris for the New York Marathon, donate raffle prizes for the Musical Extravaganza Fundraiser or get more information about her programme of events, should call 07958 150241 or email murphy2fundraise@yahoo.co.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead